Amazon will now leave items inside your door. How will that work, exactly?

The new Amazon Key service lets the delivery driver drop packages inside the front door instead of the porch.
USA TODAY

Amazon is ready for the next step in its delivery service: dropping packages right inside your home.

On Wednesday, the tech giant revealed Amazon Key, an in-home delivery service where drivers can drop packages inside your home near the front door. It's potentially a great option for consumers worried about package thieves, or concerned their box might sit outside on a rainy day.

An Amazon Logistics delivery person places a package inside the front door of a customer after having the smart lock on the door opened by the Amazon Key system.(Photo: Elizabeth Weise)

It's available starting Nov. 8 in 37 U.S. cities. Here's everything you need to know about Amazon Key:

What do I need to start using it?

It requires the use of a smart lock and cloud-enabled camera. Amazon sells a Key In-Home Kit for $249.99. Users choose between two lock brands: Kwikset and Yale. The service is only available to members of Amazon Prime. Users can choose to have it installed by an Amazon-provided professional for free.

How exactly does a Key delivery work?

The morning your package is due to arrive, you get a notification through the Amazon Key app of the four-hour window a driver will appear. Users are also notified just before the driver is at your address. Amazon says the driver knocks first before attempting to unlock your front door. When this happens, the camera turns on and records the delivery, which users can watch live or once the delivery is complete. When your door is locked again, you will get notified on your phone, and given the choice to watch a short video clip.

What if I have pets?

Amazon advises customers not to use the service if they have a pet that can gain access to the door. If you do have a pet and choose to use Key, Amazon suggests blocking them off from the front entrance to ensure proper in-home delivery.

What if I use a security system in my home?

Amazon said security systems should be disabled for in-home deliveries. So, if you don't feel comfortable doing that, you might want to skip Key.

What if the driver breaks something in my house?

All Key deliveries include what Amazon calls a "Happiness Guarantee," which says if deliveries were "not completed to your satisfaction, or your product or property was damaged as a direct result of the delivery," they will work to fix the problem. If something does happen, be sure to document everything.

Do you pay extra to ship using Key?

No. Prime members still get free shipping.

Will this work for returns, too?

It's for deliveries only, but Amazon says they will take customer feedback and consider including returns in the future.

Why is Amazon offering this?

But there's an interesting other perk coming to Amazon Key soon: integration with Home Services. Have a petsitter, maid, or dog walker? If they partner with Amazon, they can use Key, too, which means — you guessed it — spending more money on Amazon.